Sabrina Dean
Multimedia journalist active in print, radio and online platforms.
Pet owners urged to vaccinate against rabies
All efforts to control the deadly viral disease of rabies are based on vaccination, hence the theme of this year’s annual World Rabies Day: ‘Rabies: vaccinate to eliminate”. This is according to the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC).
High food price inflation leaves poor consumers in the lurch
Annual food price inflation reached its highest level for the past 18 months in August, with the biggest year-on-year increase seen in the price of special maize meal.
‘Land to be restituted, not redistributed’ – Mabuza
The 278 parcels of land mentioned by Deputy President David Mabuza during follow-up questions in a National Council of Provinces session in Parliament on Wednesday were intended for restitution purposes, not redistribution.
How to make a living running a small-scale broiler operation
Necessity inspired Anneke Loock of Bloemfontein to start earning a living from a small-scale poultry business. The lessons learnt on her journey to success will prove useful to anyone launching a similar enterprise, says Sabrina Dean.
Agri industries record far better growth than SA economy
The growth of the primary agriculture sector in South Africa is far outstripping the economic growth of the country as a whole.
1 000ha of Limpopo farmland burnt in protest action
It has been estimated that as much as 1 000ha of farmland near the town of Alma in Limpopo have been destroyed after allegedly being set alight during a community protest this week.
Farmers urged to vaccinate livestock proactively
Livestock owners are being urged to vaccinate livestock proactively against vector-borne diseases such as Rift Valley fever (RVF), rather than reacting after an outbreak.
NWGA pleads for continued state support in communal ram project
Time was running out to secure quality wool rams for distribution next year in a development programme targeting wool growers in communal areas.
Intensive Boer goat farming: Good money, endless demand
Free State Boer goat farmer Mariaan Grobler says intensive production is a viable option as there are never enough goats available to meet demand. Sabrina Dean visited her on her Free State farm to learn how she has fine-tuned her commercial operation to maximise production.
Future Farmers expands development initiative into Free State
Young people looking for a foot in the door in the agriculture sector and farmers looking for a way to provide such opportunities could now come together at a new facility launched in the Free State on Thursday.
Vrede Dairy project: ‘SA needs to rethink Public Service Act’
Allegations of murder, death threats and state capture have been in the spotlight during testimony on the Vrede Dairy project, also known as the Estina project, at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture since 22 July.
High-tech solutions to manage weed resistance to herbicides
According to agronomy expert Leonard Oberholzer, weeds’ resistance to herbicides is expected to be one of the greatest threats to food production in years to come.
Designing an irrigation system according to soil type
Dr Willem de Clercq, a researcher at the Water Institute at Stellenbosch University, says that all farmers, and especially those who practise conservation agriculture, need to approach irrigation in a holistic manner that will ensure sustainable production.
Mixed reaction expected from agri sector to repo rate reduction
The decision by the South African Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee to lower the repo rate to 6,5%, down from 6,75%, will affect different role players in the agriculture value chain in different ways.
No serious injuries reported after Astral chemical leak
A chemical leak at one of Astral’s processing plants in Olifantsfontein had resulted in the hospitalisation of 15 of the food manufacturer’s staff.
‘Fresh produce markets must remain relevant’
Over the past 10 years, the fresh produce market value chain was estimated to have generated over R140 billion worth of turnover in the agriculture sector.
Lesotho wool growers march despite ‘grace period’
Several thousand Lesotho wool and mohair farmers gathered in the capital Maseru on Friday to march to the country’s parliament to hand over a memorandum.
Laying the foundations for commercial farming
Although she is a qualified engineer, Tracy Marobobo has traded her corporate suits for khaki and boots as she pursues her true passion in life: farming. Sabrina Dean recently visited her at the farm where she is working towards becoming a commercial Bonsmara cattle farmer.
Cost pressures weigh on food prices in first quarter of 2019
The exchange rate of the rand against major currencies along with higher commodity prices had played a significant role in the 0,3% month-on-month (m/m) increase in the consumer price index.
‘Wool sheep from Lesotho now being slaughtered in SA’
Wool growers in Lesotho, who had not received an income since March 2018, are now selling their stock to slaughter markets in a desperate attempt to survive.
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